water rural resilience

U.S. pledges $45 million in security funding to West Africa

US top diplomat Antony J. Blinken announced Tuesday January 23 a pledge of $45 million in funding for security in West Africa, a region reeling with terrorism activities in some of its countries. Blinken made the announcement in Cote d’Ivoire as he met with President Alassane Ouattara in the capital, Abidjan. “Cote d’Ivoire is an […]

New U.S. visa fee sparks backlash over barriers to African travelers

A new U.S. policy introducing a non-waivable $250 “visa integrity fee” for nonimmigrant visa applicants — particularly from African nations — has drawn sharp criticism for raising barriers to travel, education, and business. Part of the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the fee applies to nearly all visa categories, including tourist […]

Nigeria declares state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Nigeria’s oil-producing Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and all state lawmakers amid escalating security concerns and political upheaval. The dramatic intervention follows reports of militant attacks on critical oil infrastructure in the strategically vital region. In a televised national address, Tinubu cited “disturbing […]